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Monday, January 21

On March 20, a man named Keith Clay died in Texas. His death was largely unremarkable except for one thing: he was the 300th person executed in Texas since the U.S. Supreme Court reauthorized capital punishment in 1976. One need not ignore the savagery of his crimes--prosecutors said Clay stood by while a friend murdered a father and his two kids on Christmas Eve 1993, 11 days before Clay himself butchered a store clerk--to pause at his execution. Three hundred is an impressive milestone, not only because it exceeds the number of executions in the next five top death-penalty states combined, but also because it was reached so quickly. It took nearly two decades for Texas to consummate its first 100 death sentences after 1976--but only five more years to pass 200 and just three after that to hit 300. (The total has since climbed to 306.)
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171 comments:

Okay, I do believe in the death penalty when it is sentenced to people convicted beyond a reasonable doubt and to those crimes considered brutal. When I say brutal, I mean the crimes of people being raped and left for dead and the murders, especially the crimes committed over and over by the same people. Yes, I am aware that people have been sentenced to the death penalty that are innocent. That is why, when someone is sentened to death, they are put death row and remain for quite some time. It is not like you get sentenced to death and they carry it out the next day. That way it gives the inmates time to prove their innocence if they are innocent. There have been inmates on death row for years and they are still waiting for their sentence to be carried out. Another thing you need to know anout me is that I believe that the death penalty needs to be humanely carried out. The United States uses the firing squad, hanging, gas chambers, electrocution, and lethal injection to carry out executions. I believe that some of these methods are NOT humane. I understand that the reason they are being put to death is because they did inhumane things to other people, but even though they did inhumane things to others, does not mean that they desereve to death that way. For example, I believe that the firing squad, hanging, and electrocution are extemely inhumane. Some of you might not agree with what I think, but this is my opinion.

I am a firm believer in the death penalty although some of the methods seem inhumane even for some of the most horrible criminals. If someone I love was murdered, I would want the murder to pay for it, but I wouldn't want to see his eyes pop out of his skull, smell his flesh burning as he is electrocuted to death in front of an audience or watch as he is decapitated by a noose. I do think the death (of the criminal) should fit the crime though. I think lethal injection should be the sole method of execution mainly because the inmate still pays the price for his crime but it is done in a less grotesque way. I think the death penalty should be used more widely because we put these criminals on death row for years and years while our tax dollars pay for them to live in a nice jail, have a place to sleep, meals to eat, clothes to wear, recreation, and television. What kind of message does this send to those who commit crimes and haven't been caught yet? The message is, "what’s the worst that can happen? I'll have a place to live, food to eat and other people to keep me company. It's not like they'll kill me!" Some of these inmates on death row are living better than the homeless! The Bible says "Thou shalt not kill" but the Bible also states in Genesis 9:6, "Whosoever sheds man's blood, by man his blood shall be shed. For in the image of God He made man." In my opinion, there are far less innocent people being put to death than there are guilty people walking free.

I do believe in the death penalty and i think it is something that our law system should have. When people say that the methods are inhumane, i think that is ridiculous because there really isnt a "humane" way to kill someone. For those people who say that it should be done away with, those are the people who have no clue what its like to have someone close to them murdered, molested, or raped. I do believe that for some criminals death isnt good enough, because for most of them dying really isnt a big deal. The death penalty is a just penalty for all of the people who commit treason, murderers, molesters, and rapists, it is no less then they deserve.

I believe in the Death penalty all the way. Yes, sometimes there are a few innocent lives taken, but that is what happens when the justice system is corrupt. It’s sad, but there’s really nothing that can be done about it right now.I am also a firm believer in the phrase “The punishment should fit the crime”. I don’t think our methods of punishing someone are good enough. For example, this Keith Clay guy, witnessed murders happen right before his eyes, and then hacked someone up a week later. Well, why not return the favor to him? Put him in a room and let someone butcher him within an inch of his life. It’s not inhumane. The fact that there are people out there that would do something like that to someone is inhumane. It’s inhumane when there are people out there right now who could be planning their next attack on you, just for fun, or because they’re bored. What about John Couey? He committed such a repulsive crime; I do believe it should have been bestowed back upon him. Lethal injection will in no way compensate for the pain and suffering he put his victim through. Steal him from his home late at night, rape him numerous amounts of times (I’m sure they could find plenty of people who wouldn’t mind doing this), and then bury him alive. I guarantee that if most criminals knew their crimes would be their punishment, they would probably not commit them so much. Unless of course they were out of their mind, or wanted to die.But for now, the death penalty is the way it is. It’s fine with me, but I think some of those criminals deserve worse.

Lucretia-thats another good way of looking at it. i have always heard, "two wrongs dont make a right" but reading your scenario also makes me think that criminals deserve the same agony they put their victims through. just thought i would share my thoughts. good post! =]

I am against the death penalty because it is barbaric and because there are so many errors committed. The fact that we may have even one innocent man executed is all the arguments I need to support its abolition. This country of ours in which we still have people who consult Genesis to figure out how old the earth is, is the only modern country that still has the death penalty. In Europe it has been abolished. In Canada and Australia too. Do you think Europeans and Australians are stupid? Saudi Arabia and many third world dictatorships have it. We happen to have the same mentality with them. That says a alot about the sorry state we are in.Of course criminals should be punished. And the worst punishment is life in prison. Period.

JenniferThat is an overgeneralization. Very few people estimate the age of the earth by conslulting the bible as you said. The Church on this matter is in accord with science.

However to compare Europe and the US is a very complicated matter. The average American is more conservative than the average European and places greater responsibility on the individual while the average European places greater responsibility on society. You may read the report here

I don't believe in the death penalty because I would rather pay for the people to suffer in jail for the rest of their lives. When you put them to death your just ending their lives and they should suffer for what they did. Putting them to death only makes them suffer for a little period of time. I want them to suffer for the rest of their lives. If they are innocent then it gives them time to prove their innocence. If they are on the death row then they are only allowed a certain period of time to prove themselves innocent. If they don't then they die being innocent and who wants that.

Professor SmithI don't get this argument about the European being less conservative. It is as if you are implying that they are lenient on criminals. I believe we are very lenient on certain criminals too.This is not the reason why they have done away with the death penalty. I believe they have realized the great danger, that of killing the innocent and their people have realized it too.

I do support the death penatly; however, I belive that there should be a limit on the number of cases that are allowed to be tried in court for the death penalty. I feel that if there is such a limit than the state will be more cautios in determining whether or not an individual should be tried for the death penalty. I also believe that in cases like the abduction, rape, and murder of Jessica Lunsford, the state was justified in sentencing John Couey to the death penalty. I do agree, however, that there do need to be some changes made in the system to ensure that innocent people are not wrongly accused and charged. I believe that states having a cap on the number of cases allowed to be tried wtih the death penalty is a step towards correcting the system.

JenniferTo quote Tim Hames from The Times of London "Mainstream middle-class sentiment in Europe now regards the death penalty as being as ethically tainted as the crimes that produced the sentence."

So i was not implying leniency. They have a different perspective. Why? Probably they have been exposed to a more liberal way of life. That is my guess. But the liberal philosophy does not imply lenience. It states an anti-death penalty position most of the times.

But having said that let me clarify that I believe their opposition is on principle only.The polls taken reflect an aopposition when the question is asked "Are you for or against the death penalty in general?"But when it is rephrased and it becomes specific like "Would you be in favor when a murderer is punished by death when no mitigating circumstances apply to his case?" then we see a trend for supporting it. Read the article here

I really didn't understand the article to tell you the truth. I find it hard to grasp the meaning of it. My opinion on the death penalty is that I think that they should execute the criminals...they should just keep them in jail [prision] until the day they die. Two wrongs don't make a right, but, if we are going to punish them...why not let them live with the guilt and regret for the rest of their lives. I guess that is all that I can really say. I personally wish that I didn't have to think about controversial issues, but, since it is a requirement for this class I will do it.

I think that the death penalty should be abolished simply because if one innocent person is killed then the whole system is unjust and wrong. I know everyone feels that some people deserve to die but why should we give them the satisfaction of not having to live the rest of their miserable lives in prison? I think that if we were to allow criminals the decision of whether they would choose the death sentence over a life in prison, most would choose the death sentence. However, seeing as the mass majority of people are firm believers of the death penalty, that executions should be taken out by lethal injection only, or at least let those on death row choose how they would prefer to die.

First of all, yes I think that the judiciary system in our country needs a lot of work from within. I also think that sometimes the judges take years to decide who is innocent in a civil crime but one session to order the death penalty for someone who might be innocent. During the past years, we saw a lot of people who found their innocence after their death penalty. Yes I think that some people deserve death penalty but uncertain cases should take lots of time especially for the sensitivity of their consequences. Some cases should go through more than one judge to decide a death penalty to avoid any hate or racial backgrounds. In my opinion, I think sentencing for life is as harsh as death penalties but better to use in the uncertain cases.

I am not a supporter the death penalty. Yes, these guilty criminals do deserve a very harsh punishment, but I do not think it should be death. I do not think that another human being should decide whether another lives or dies. The men and women that commit these heinous crimes worthy of the death penalty have serious mental issues, and instead of being electrocuted, they should be placed in the care of a mental health facility. By no means will they be relieved of their illness, as psychopathic, sociopathic, and anti-social personality disorders are all very serious disorders that can not be cured. But I think this a better solution than the death penalty. Murder does not solve murder.

First of all, I am definetly against death penalty. Of course there are people who are going to argue about how people who kill others deserve death penalty. Yes, it's cruel that people murder other people for reasons or for no reason at all. Giving death penalty to those people are taking their life away too and that's cruel too. It doesn't solve anything and those ordering death penalty are far worse than those who murder, rape, etc. I don't understand why people can't just solve these problems another way except giving death penalty. Of course, it will take a while, but it's better than taking another life away. Also, it's messed up that death penalty has been brought upon those who were innocent. Why can't people take the time to sit down and actually anazlyze who really did the wrong thing? I believe death penalty are given because people just can't seem to find a way to actually help these people. Death penalty shouldn't be given just because of what one thinks. They should realize the innocent people, innocent, and some kind of other punishment for the guilty.

I think that the death penalty should exists. People that are executed are almost always incapable of being in any type of society, that includes jails, they are a threat to everyone. I believe that the death penalty is a necessary scare tactic as well, it can prevent a crazy person from killing someone or possibly harming them seriously. However, 100 people in death row in 3 years is a pretty large number, I don't see why it's increased so much, since it was put back in effect.

Wow! I am shocked by the 300th execution...that is a lot of people being killed and that is only in one state. I have never completely taken a side when it comes to the death penalty because in some cases it is necessary. This article really shocked me mostly because of the number of people being put to death. Especially since there is always room for error, it scares me to think that at least a few of those people were innocent. I strongly believe that a criminal will suffer through a miserable life behind bars rather than being put out of their misery and killed. Also i know it does cost a lot of money to keep criminals in jail but it is also very costly to carry out capital punishment!

Well, this is certainly a debatable topic. On one hand, I keep hearing a song lyric that says "Homicide is illegal and death is the penalty. What justifies the homicide, when he dies?" On the other hand, if not death, what is an appropriate action for society to take in these cases where death was ordered?

I can't say that I don't think there are times when no other punishment seems fit. If my friend or family member was killed, I'm sure that I would want to be the one to throw the switch on the murderer. That said, I wonder if I would deserve to die for killing someone who killed my brother? I think the death penalty has a place in the system, but the entire case surrounding the crime for which a person is facing the death penalty should be considered.

I go back and forth with whether or not I feel it is correct. Although I know that if someone close to me was murdered or raped, I would want the person that did that to them to feel equivalent pain. But who is one person to say when another person dies? Killing someone whether or not they deserve it, is still killing someone. And I do not really feel that anyone has the right to say when someone elses life ends. Besides, I personally would rather be killed than spend 50+ years in prison. So are we not kind of doing them a favor by killing them off?

believe in the death penalty for various reasons, although I am not a firm believer in our justice system and how we prosecute these crimes.I believe the death penalty should be enforced on those indivduals who commit these horrible crimes as in rape etc.I believe that if an indivdual is not capabel to be in society and act like they are suppose to they should not be alive. I know it sounds cruel but there are norms in society that everyone must abide by. I cant picture someone crazy running around taking someones life, when they do not have the right of doing that. One problem I do have with the death penalty though is the cost,of our tax dollars , do you know that it cost more to give someone the death penalty then to put them in prison for life. When it all comes down to it I think that the death penalty should be evaluted over and over again before it is issued, its not something that sounds easy to carry-out .

I don't believe in the death penalty. We are no one to decide who dies. I think that's God's decision. I believe that anyone who does the crime should be in jail, better yet in prison for the rest of their lives. Some of them are there for only years and their time is up and are free. Next thing you know they commited another crime. Once a killer,always a killer. That's why I think they should stay in jail.

The death penalty is a way to “clean up a prison” on top of that it can bring some what of a satisfaction to the victims family it serves. Whether or not it is humane to kill a person because of a crime, I believe it has to be done. In my opinion, I would make it so they relive what they did; in their victims’ shoes. If a man raped and killed a woman than he to should be raped and killed (most likely handled by artificial intelligence that we must invent)

SteelerThe death penalty is not a way to clean up a prison. It is a form of punishment. Now, what your statement seems to be suggesting is vindictiveness, torture, and is punishable by law in every civilized country. That would be the law of the jungle. Absolutely unacceptable!

MichellelAs far as the costs are concerned I copy the following from this site

The California death penalty system costs taxpayers more than $114 million a year beyond the cost of simply keeping the convicts locked up for life. (This figure does not take into account additional court costs for post-conviction hearings in state and federal courts, estimated to exceed several million dollars.)

With 11 executions spread over 27 years, on a per execution basis, California and federal taxpayers have paid more than $250 million for each execution.

It costs approximately $90,000 more a year to house an inmate on death row, than in the general prison population or $57.5 million annually.

The Attorney General devotes about 15% of his budget, or $11 million annually to death penalty cases.

The California Supreme Court spends $11.8 million on appointed counsel for death row inmates.

The Office of the State Public Defender and the Habeas Corpus Resource Center spend a total of $22.3 million on defense for indigent defendants facing death.

The federal court system spends approximately $12 million on defending death row inmates in federal court.

It has never made sense to me that while murder is a crime, it is punishable by the same crime commited. I think that if someone has done something worthy of capitol punishment they should rot in jail for the rest of thier NATURAL lives to think about what they did. By ending their life, it is like saying that they get a way out. Besides that, after reading the botched deaths and the methods used for execution it seems they suffer more than should be necessary. I was not aware that we took pleasure in hurting people.

"Why do we kill people who kill people to show that killing people is wrong?" I am a firm believer in that quote, and I do not support the death penalty. Not only would I be going against my religion if did support it, but I think it is unethical and morally wrong. I mean isn't that what prison is for anyways? I believe that prison is a place of restraint, so that criminals can live there in resentment and out of our society without us having to kill them for killing someone. I think that criminals who murder should get the life sentence, because frankly, I think that would be more torturing to them, then killing them, and providing them with mortal freedom out of their misery.

I disagree with capital punishment. Not because I think it is inhumane or just wrong (which it is), but because If you have done a crime bad enough to get you the Death Penalty, you should rot. You should have to be put into solitary confinement for the rest of your life. No contact with others.

The thing is murder, in any way is wrong. So why should this be allowed? It is just like killing a killer. You are just as bad as them for stooping down to their level. To do the same thing they have done.

Killing the inmate could be said to give them the easy way out. They might do what they do knowing they will be executed. So don't give them what they want. Make them sit there and think about what they have done for the rest of their natural lives.

Plus, it costs a ton of money to pay for the drugs, and the electric chair uses a ton of electricity. It just costs money. Money should not be wasted on low-lives.

It must first be established and accepted that reading a Time Magazine article does not make one an expert witness. I therefore proceed being only keenly conscious of this fact.

It would seem that the most important issues here to be considered are these:- Who legislates the laws of execution, state and federal?- How much of a function of the will of the people are these laws?- Will the people always be right?

What we know is:- the execution of the innocent is unacceptable,- there are those who are absolutely worthy of such a fate,- to sentence such a convict to only "life in prison" would not only be costly, but - in many cases - dangerous,- timely execution of a sentence is vital upon arrival of a just conclusion of guilt,- and, finally, juries and judges should be exceptionally qualified to discern between guilt and innocence, and all the varying degrees in between.

Were we to stop asking questions about the rightness of our governing laws, and then promoting lawfulness, it would be sensible to elect a king to make our decisions for us.

I, for one, am not in favor of a king in the United States of America.

Yes, i believe the death penalty is very necessary. There are many people out there that are just too corrupt in the head to remain in society. Sure you can sentence them to "life" in prison, but what about the nonviolent criminals who might be murdered by them. So you put them in their own little isolated space... come on! That only makes the person completely insane. Way to go! I do agree with the article that people are molded into what they become by the society around them, and its a shame that some turn out the way they do. However, like i said before, they are too far gone to return to society; they are a dangerous risk. I agree we are in a modern age, and we are capable of making the death process more humane (no one should die in vain). Although, most who get the death sentence did "brutally" murder someone... Yeah, maybe they do deserve a little pay-back before they go. (yeah, i said it)

Stevie-DYou say a king would make decisopns for us. Actually the monarchs in Europe are simply decorative figures and have zero authority to make any decisions. However the monarchs in the Middle East have absolute authority and they are what we call "brutal dictators."So having a dictator take decisions for us.... could be extremely unproductive to say the least.

I do believe in the death penalty when the crime warrant it. If someone murders someone for no reason at all, they should be put to death. This is not for someone protecting themselves and family. I think if u murder and rape a child you should be put to death. I believe if the crime is a brutal crime like killing whole a family, the wait on death role should be a short one. I think the legal system is messed up because if you have money u get away with murder.

Well, first of, I do firmly believe in the death penalty and more so, I believe that the death penalty should be used more frequently. Yes, that may seem cold hearted but think of all the crimes committed (preferably murders) and the taxes we are paying for those horrible people to be in jail! We are keeping them alive when all they think about life is that it is a joke by taking other people lives. In my eyes, even if you kill one person, you should die as well. Although there is an exception to some cases and that’s all on the judges shoulders. If you have killed in order to protect someone and there is justifiable evidence then sure, stay in jail for a little while, seek some psychiatric help and then go on with your life. Although, it's not always like that. There are people in this world who are cold blooded natural killers. Those people should be sentenced to death, and not months or years later, try more like days or weeks. The cases with less evidence should be put on death row until further notice. Jail is a serious place where a lot of innocent people end up but that is life. Innocent people die in the streets why should it be any different in jail. Sure peace in a great thought but we will never achieve such a goal. So to wrap up, I definitely believe in the death penalty for the soul reason that if you have the nerve to take someone’s life, you better be ready for the same thing in return, a life for a life.

I believe the death penalty should be banned. There are hundreds of innocent souls being killed. For example, I occasionally, watch the show Cold Case. I do not know how many people are familiar with it, but it is a fictional detective show with cases that have not been closed. One episode the police executed an innocent man and the chief realized after he was killed. Since then, I have felt to simply let the person suffer in prison for life with no hope of getting out unless the accused killer is proven innocent. If the person is a serial killer, then keep him locked in a single cell with a strait jacket. They are crazy anyway. I feel it is more of a punishment if the accused have to sit there, all alone and have think about all the innocent victims they kill. The death penalty is almost like a sigh of relief because the killer does not have to think about his wrong doing and learn from it, but simply think of himself as “free”. Therefore, the government just needs to demolish it all together.

I believe in the death penalty. I believe in it because no matter what if someone is found guilty or plead guilty for murdering someone and it is sealed by evidence then they're going to end up in jail anyway. In a way people might think its the governments form of murder but its a humane way to rid the world and more importantly your own community of bad people. I dont think its fair to spend "life" in jail. After the inhumane thing they did to someones loved one we're supposed to pay for their room and board complete with food and yard time? Why would someone even want to live if they took someones life? I think the death penalty is deserved or even earned by those who feel it is ok or natural to steal the breath so cruely from a living being. Sentencing someone to death doesn't bring back the family member but it does mean that this person is never going to kill, never going to think about killing and never going harm anyone ever agin. If something ever happend to anyones family member *God forbid* Im sure that individual would think of something much worse to do to the murderer than a little injection to go to sleep.

The death penalty is such a contradiction itself. The bible says "Thou shalt not kill," but then it says "Whosoever sheds man's blood, by man his blood shall be shed. For in the image of God He made man." I don't think there is really a way to justify it. We can not let someone walk the streets that has brutily murdered 11 people, but if we leave him in prison for the rest of his life, we end up paying millions of dollars in taxes for him to live it up in prison. It is inhumane to fry someone in the electric chair; skin frying, eyes popping out, nose bleeding... It seems archaic. Lethal injection seems to be more of a humane way, but then you have to consider all of the drug addicts that have no good veins left. Stonings, hangings, execution style shootings, the gas chamber, all seem outdated as well. I think if we must have the death penalty the least we could do is find a better way to carry it out. I also think we should dig a little deeper in the case to have all evidence possible and all options exhausted before putting someone on death row. What do we do with murderers? Kill someone who has killed seems so ironic. Maybe we should ask the murderer himself (or herself...). If they are crazy enough to kill maybe they are crazy enough to tell us how they want to go...

I believe in the death penalty. If someone has gone far enough to kill someone I think they should be killed in a equally brutal way. Sitting in a jail cell for life is not punishment enough. I agree there has been probably innocent and that is a sad thought. But you cannot kill the whole system some of these murders needed to be put down or they would have just went on killing whether it was in prison or by some twist of fate they are paroled. I see in some of the post that people believe that the death penalty should carried out in humanely ways. Well did these criminals humanely kill their victims, probably not they probably suffered a great deal in their last moments and I believe they should share the same fate by that I don't mean a quick and painless way of dying like a lethal injection they should feel on some level what their victims felt.

I strongly believe in the death penalty. Criminals need to know that if they kill someone or rape them and leave them to be found dead by someone else, there will be a punishment. People who commit serious crimes, like murder, need to be put on death row. The criminals who commit murder do not deserve to live a full life because they caused the life of someone else to be shortened. I believe in "an eye for an eye;" therefore, if you take the life of someone else, your life should be taken away also. With the death penalty in full affect there is no chance that that person can harm another being outside of the jail. The death penalty should not be inhumane even though the crime the person committed was inhumane.

Daisydown23It is murder one in every state. And then we have other crimes too depending on the state. In California train wrecking; treason; perjury causing execution. In Louisiana raping a child (Louisiana). In Georgia hijacking and treason. In Idaho aggravated kidnapping, perjury resulting in death. Read this article

Man as a race has no right to decide the future of Men. I don't believe the death penalty should be dealt out by us simply because we will never truly know everything about any crime. There will always be the doubt that whoever is to be executed may, no matter how slim the margins, indeed be innocent. The fact is that there are still margins and always will be. Moreover, in my opinion no man has authority over one's right to life. The executioner has no right to take the life away from the murderer, just as the murderer had no right to take the life of the victim. The executioner in effect becomes likewise to the murderer. I do believe that murderers should be ostracized from society, but not by death. I will quote a line from Metallica's "Ride the Lightning" that may help others see where I come from..."Who made you God to say...I'll take your life from you?"

The death penalty is a necessary function of society. It strikes fear into people’s hearts as to not commit capital crimes and offenses. I feel that the gas chamber is the method that should be used because to me it seems as if it is the worst of the variety of methods. To become convicted of a heinous crime that merits capital punishment is a just decision and should be implemented when necessary. Personally I feel that society should be in “an eye for an eye” mentality and what is done to me is done to you. If someone wrongs another so horribly I feel that they should be held accountable for their actions. Getting rid of the death penalty would be as if saying it is okay to commit capital crimes and offenses because the worst that will happen to you is that you go to prison and you get a free place to stay, free meals, and free health care. It is turning more into a resort than a place for rehabilitation.

I think the death penalty is a great idea. How much money does our taxes go to keeping people in jail for life with 3 meals a day and room and board. I personally think that they should be put to death because they are sentanced to life for a heinus crime. I personally feel bad for the wrongly accused but that happens every day in our society. The only type of death penalty should be is lethel injection, its quick and to me seems alot less painful then all of he other types. I think that people who do these crimes deserve the worst punishment possible and do not belong behind bars for 40 years and waste our cells and time. If you take a life your penalty should be the same in my opinion, exspecally if its in the first degree and pre meditated

Jonnyd813--i agree with you. ive seen people post about putting people who commit heinous crimes in institutions or what not, but what good does that do?! i dont think there is a cure for people who murder others. its like saying rapists can "recover". no they cant! people that messed up in the head will never be normal. if the criminals have done it once, what makes you think they wont do it again?! and putting them in jail for years and years is a waste of OUR society's money. why should we pay to give the CRIMINALS some place to live and meals to eat?? they dont deserve a paid vacation after they murder someone or rape someone! so sitting in jail for the rest of their natural life is no where near what they deserve for committing such horrible crimes. the death penalty should be used. an eye for an eye. if criminals knew the punishment they would receive for committing things like murder or rape, maybe we wouldnt have so many messed up people killing innocent victims in this world. also, people who say man has no right to decide another mans fate, like its been said before GOD wrote in the BIBLE that if you kill a man, you will be killed! so obviously we, as people, didnt decide the fate of killers. long before we were even here God ordained that murderers should be killed. its written right there in the bible, what more proof do we need??

I do believe that every country must have their each systems to put justice above all aspects such as religion, race, politic, and social-economic background. I have two points about the death penalty. First,I am not against death penalty in the judiciary system, but this punishment should be given for criminals who really commit such a horrible crime. I do remember one women in my country had been prosecuted after she killed and mutilated her neighbor for she could not afford to pay her debt. And her story became a controversy whether it was a better decision to put in death or gave life imprisonment. As the most populous Muslim-majority nation, it caused a polemic for many religion activists but justice must be stand alone, so federal law decided to execute her by gunshot. Lately I have heard about Jessica Lunsford’s case too, and I am totally agree with Lucretia that John Couey must deserve death penalty or even worse since accurate evidences have proven Couey did kidnapped, raped, and buried his victim tragically. Second, the federal law should more aware to process death penalty and life imprisonment so such things like prosecuted innocent people never happen. From the documentary film in class today, I conclude not only law system that has to be concerned but also education in society. Starting with the good education can improve the way people to respect others life and off course percentage of crime would be in lower rate.

I am still wondering how about the terrorists who expect to get death penalty instead of put them in life sentence. Putting them to spend whole life in prison seems useless if they do not regret with what they have done. On the other hand, letting them to be executed seems they get what they want after all.

"And now cursed art thou from the ground, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother's blood from thy hand. When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a wanderer shalt thou be in the earth." -Genesis IV 11-12This is the word of God to Cain following a brief conversation with Cain after God noticed that Able was dead. I do not recognize this punishment as the death penalty, though others interpret it differently. I believe that if Cain were to be killed, his death would be as meaningless as Abel's death, and would be just as much of a waste. The death penalty is wrong, and two wrongs do not make things right.

"Plans have been completed and the time is drawing near,Punishment will be relentless...They deserve to DIEViolence is legitimate is causes such as this,Cruel retribution is fitting,Vengeance will be dealt out with ruthless iron fists,Worthless filth recieve no mercy...They deserve to DIEThey had no conscience so there is no loss,For my redemption there must be a cost."

If the states are going to allow capital punishment, then as long as a person is sentenced to death by that, then who’s to say whether the way they accomplish the sentence is inhumane. Since the methods vary from electro shock to lethal injections it really does not matter. If the citizens of the states really had a problem with any of the capital punishment methods, they would have rioted or made their complaints heard by either petitioning or going straight to the media. The fact of the matter is that if someone killed a family member or friend that was close to you or anyone that you know, then you or the other people would want them dead as well.

I do not believe in the death penalty for a couple of reasons. First of all i do not fully trust our justice system. After DNA technology came out thousands of people were let out of prison because the new evidence proved their innocence. Out of all those thousands of people some could of been on death row. They would have been killed for someone elses crime. Although some crimes are so disgusting and brutal that almost everybody would wish death on that person, it isn't really up to us when someones life should end. Not only that but would killing one innocent person be worth killing a thousand people that are guilty? I do not think so. The more people that are killed on death row the more likely that one of those people are innocent.

Man, this is a another uncomfortable article for me. But as far as the death penalty, I agree with kortney with a K and pink blossom. But I also agree with countrygirl. I disagree and agree with the death penalty. I hate to see innocent people put to death because of fabrications in stories or their was just not a good enough technology then or now. Texas did have the count pretty high and if we keep killing people who says we arent the murders too. God has the power to judge and it should be done by Him. But I still do get VERY very upset when I hear marines go missing after being raped by their superior officers and other tradgies on the news. Things in this world arent fair and I cant imagine the stress on the people who came up with this.

I completely believe in the death penalty. I think that there are at least a few people though, that are put in death row that are completely innocent. I've heard many times that somebody would rather have x amount of killers freed than one innocent person die. I think that this idea has its flaws. I think that because of this state of mind that many murders that have beyond a reasaonable amount of evidence and have even maybe admitted themselves being guilty have gotten free, or are allowed to sit in jail when they should be executed. I also think that the pleaed insanity line is overused, and many serial murders use that line to divert execution. I think that if their is beyond reasonable doubt, that the killer should be executed.

I dont have a problem myself with the death penalty what so ever. The Punishment needs to fit the crime and if someone kills someone then in my oppinion they should be put to death. I dont think they should be able to go on 30 years of appeals; they are a waste of money. In my oppinion the best way to carry out the death penalty is the firing squad. As long as its painless and struggle free its fine by me.

I believe that the death penalty is appropriate for like serial killers and those who have been in and out of jail and still continue to hurt people after their previous punishment(s). I guess the rest of the criminals should face life in prison for murder, and those who committed other crimes would endure their length of time in jail as well. Sometimes I think “anyone who killed someone deserves to die.” Although this is most people’s response, I always wonder if it really is the right thing to do. Obviously our society will not just let them off the hook and go about their merry time in life because they clearly did something bad. Besides that, death roll does give enough time to prove innocent if that is the case. This is my take on the death penalty.

I am a firm believer in the death penalty and I don’t think that most states carry it out to the fullest. I first think that all states should have the same laws regarding the death penalty, for example, in this story Texas puts more inmates to death far more than any other state. The only thing that this is doing is making criminals more aware of where to commit crimes, which could led to our community being affected. I don’t think that there is an inhumane way to kill someone who is being punished for what they did. These people who commit such horrible crimes obviously don’t have any morals so why should we take pitty in them.

I do believe in the death penalty, It is on of the better laws that the states have introduced in to the judicial system. I feel that those who are sentenced to death even though they are innocent is a hard and vary controversial subject. I believe that unless proven guilty you are innocent... Now that is what the law states but they never stick to that standing. It’s more like guilty meaning put in a jail cell until proven guilty.... When it comes to the death penalty I am riding of the fence with that one, I feel that we should have it, but is it really an effective means of punishment? Are they (judges) trying to set an example?

TWO WRONGS DONT MAKE A RIGHT! NO I dont agree with the death penalty. no one has the right to murder any one in eny type of situation. victims of people who have lost some one that has been murder will feel hurt no matter if the killer gets life or death penalty.My Uncle was killed at the age of 18 by an 13year old on easter day. leaving behind two knew-borns boys. I dont know what kind of punishment the 13year old got but it was not long he is out of jail like an free slave. my family and i has forgiving the guy for his crime. its been 22years this april that my uncle has be gone. so who has time too be angry at someone for 22years. not saying what the 13year old did was right but i'm a believer in God and I do believe people who committe crimes can be forgaved. the only thing I can say that ever happen bad to this 13year old was that he was shot in one eye and became blind. god knows how to punish people who committe crimes in his own way. I believe when a person robs, steal, rape, murder, etc will be punish in some sort of a way without death penatly. do people really think the ones that are committing the death penalty in prison feel good inside. TWO WRONGS DONT MAKE A RIGHT!Now if the 13year old kid would have gotten the death penalty my grandparents would have been satisfied but the hurt would of still been there.

Yes i believe in the death penalty if Yes I believe in the death penalty. I believe if someone kills another human being they should be executed. Or if someone rapes or molests someone they should die. People need to just stop getting away with the things they do. Maybe if more people were put on death roe then people would stop committing the crimes. If they new they would be fried they would think twice. There should be a 5 year maximum on death roe. They should not be able to just sit around forever. For less severe crimes I believe they should bring back the chain gangs where the prisoners had hard work on the side of roads and everywhere. I think they should cut out there air conditioning. Prison should not be hotels that our tax money pays for.

It states that "It's been more than four decades since a person was executed for a sex crime in the U.S., and in 1977, the U.S. Supreme Court blocked an execution in a rape case, ruling it was cruel and unusual punishment. Legal scholars say that although myriad capital crimes are still on the books in many states, the Supreme Court has effectively limited the nation's ultimate punishment to murder cases."

I firmly believe in “an eye for an eye.” If we were to emplace harsher punishments for crimes maybe people would think twice before committing one. According to wikipedia, the average prison-sentence for rape is 11.8 years. A report from the United Nations said there are over 250,000 rape cases reported every year. Perhaps 11.8 years in jail isn’t a very good deterrent. If it were up to me, a convicted rapist would have their weapon removed or severely damaged to ensure it would never happen again, especially if they are going to spend such a short period of time in jail. It is perfectly justified in my mind to sentence a murderer to death. I believe in a painful death for those who kill unmercifully. The punishment should fit the crime. I don’t believe that drunk drivers who kill should be charged with murder, because they did not intend to kill. I do believe they should have their anatomy altered to ensure they can’t have more than the recommended dose of cough-syrup with out getting deathly-ill. I understand that this would be considered torture and inhumane, but I think that crimes would be far more infrequent if you could put some fear in the criminals.

This is one of those weird topics where I really don't have an opinion. For whatever reason, I really don't care. Or maybe I see both sides of the argument to be valid. This subject doesn't affect me, at least not yet.

I can see the reasoning for the death penalty. If someone commits a crime that deserves to be punished by death, then I can see why some would want that.

I can also see the reasoning behind not wanting a death penalty. Do humans really have the authority to kill someone for crimes they commit? Or does that power rest with a higher power. Plus some say the death penalty is cruel and unusually punishment which is against the 8th Amendment.

Right now I have no opinion on the death penalty. I see both sides of the argument.

I do believe in the death penalty. If you are found guilty of committing a capital crime, you should be put to death. Obviously, there are going to be cases where the person that has been on death row has been found innocent but with all the technology today, it is a very rare occurance. But isn't it better to punish all the other people that actually are guilty by putting them to death insead of wasting tax payer's money by keeping them on death row for 10, 20 or even 30 years? The most important person in the whole situation is the INNOCENT victim, and when you consider that, putting someone to death is justice. Half of the people that are on death row for murder don't even feel any remorse for what they did, so how is it any good to keep them in prison for life so they can "feel their guilt" if they don't even feel guilty in the first place? I think it should be an eye for an eye, a life for a life.

JessybessyActually it is far more expensive to have someone executed than put him in prison for life. You may read this site

"The investigation costs for death-sentence cases were about 3 times greater than for non-death cases. The trial costs for death cases were about 16 times greater than for non-death cases ($508,000 for death case; $32,000 for non-death case). The appeal costs for death cases were 21 times greater. "

I believe in the death penalty only when there is alot of proof that they are guilty. I dont think that know innocent should be put in prison let alone given the death penalty. Before the jury and judge decides someone is guilty I think they should do a deep investigation, and they there is no doubt in anybodys mind. I think people neeed to pay the price for behaviors they decide to make. For instance, Murderes and rapist should atomatically be sentence to the death penalty because if you are able do that I think you are inhumane and why take precious space for you. But that is only after a really intense investagation to prove that you actually commited the crime.

JessyBessy-i agree wth you. more often than not, criminals in jail dont feel remorse for their crimes. its just a waste of our societies money to keep them in jail. man decides his own fate when he decides to take another life!

I agree with countrygirl. The death penalty should be used on those whom are guilty without a doubt, meaning they must confess to the crime or there is undeniable evidence such as video of them committing the crime. The death penalty should also be used on those crimes, which are brutal, such as rape and murder. I feel that those who have taken the life of an innocent victim, in turn has no right to live and should be subject to the death penalty. Also as a tax payer I would rather have my taxes be put to better use, rather then paying towards a criminal’s health care, food, and sheltering.

Yes I do believe in the death penalty. In fact, I think all of our punishments need to be much strickter and enforced. We need to show criminals that their crimes will not be tolorated. Make them think twice before committing the crime. Whe it comes to murder and the person is proven quilty, them I believe they should be put to death immediately! Why should tax payers provide three hots and a cot, health care, cable tv and educations to these people for years. No, we need to remove these people from society now! I don't believe that there should be any second chances. Our country can learn alot from other countries that have zero tolorance for all crimes. With harsh penalties the crime rates are very low. Why? Because thier citizens no there are heavy consiquences when you do wrong. In my oppinion, thats the way it should be. Weather it's selling drugs, shop lifting or even murder.

I know most people think the death penalty is a good thing but I completely disagree with it. The people who receive the death penalty normally committed murder, but what about the person who pulls the switch? Are they not committing murder too? They are ending a life just like the murder being punished. So shouldn't they be punished to? It is still murder no matter who does it. So why punish one and not the other? Those who commit murder know they won't have to suffer long. It is worse to many people to live in jail rather than dyeing. To many prisoners they just don't care about living anymore because they have accomplished what they wanted to do. Yes I know that keeping them in prison spends our tax money, but it's us spending money or being murders ourselves. Murder is not ok no matter what who it is, it is still ending a life.

I do not believe in the death penalty. Innocent people do die, and I think keeping alive 100 criminals for one innocent person is ok. The people who do commit murders and end up on death row, I think, are mentally ill. I doubt that they even consider the consequences before they commit a crime, so having stricter punishments will not change anything. I noticed that many people are for the death penalty, but also for intelligent design in schools. I thought Christians would be more pro-life. It does cost money to keep a criminal locked up but killing someone because its more cost affective is disgusting. When most people our age do not even vote, it is funny that anyone cares how much money it costs to keep someone alive. Maybe I would feel differently if a violent crime had happen to me but I hope I would be able to forgive the person instead of watching them die.

As much as we consider the death penalty the right for their wrong doings, one is to be considered as much of a criminal as the person that has committed the crime. Many innocent people have died innocently by a death sentence and the states should remain a penalty, but not to those extremes. If one of my loved ones died yes it’s a horrible thing that would hunt me forever but I believe someone up there has something bigger for us and it’s a challenge to see what hateful things we can do to others. Death would have to be the most extreme decision one could take for another but if one does it, it doesn’t mean it makes it any better if you do it back.

Death Penalty was created by people who likes to play GOD. They think they have the rights of taking someones life away. As a chritian I'm against the death penalty (capitol punishment). I believe only God as the right of taking someones life away. Now, don't taking me wrong. Brutal murders or just simply killer to deserve a hard punishment. They should not be sentence to death but instead send to prision for life in a solitary cell. That will make them reflex in all the wrong they have done and pay for they have done. DEATH IS AN EASY WAY OUT FOR KILLERS. Furthermore, by not forcing the death penalty is also giving those who are truly inocent a chance to prove they are not guilty to the crime they have been convicted. This way we are not taking peoples lives away invain. Is sad to say our justice system is corrupted and for the looks of it, it will say that way for a while. Capitol Punishment is not going anyways any time soon and to the goverment its a way to to lower cost in prison.

Death Penalty was created by people who likes to play GOD. They think they have the rights of taking someones life away. As a chritian I'm against the death penalty (capitol punishment). I believe only God as the right of taking someones life away. Now, don't taking me wrong. Brutal murders or just simply killer to deserve a hard punishment. They should not be sentence to death but instead send to prision for life in a solitary cell. That will make them reflex in all the wrong they have done and pay for they have done. DEATH IS AN EASY WAY OUT FOR KILLERS. Furthermore, by not forcing the death penalty is also giving those who are truly inocent a chance to prove they are not guilty to the crime they have been convicted. This way we are not taking peoples lives away invain. Is sad to say our justice system is corrupted and for the looks of it, it will say that way for a while. Capitol Punishment is not going anyways any time soon and to the goverment its a way to to lower cost in prison.

Death Penalty was created by people who likes to play GOD. They think they have the rights of taking someones life away. As a chritian I'm against the death penalty (capitol punishment). I believe only God as the right of taking someones life away. Now, don't taking me wrong. Brutal murders or just simply killer to deserve a hard punishment. They should not be sentence to death but instead send to prision for life in a solitary cell. That will make them reflex in all the wrong they have done and pay for they have done. DEATH IS AN EASY WAY OUT FOR KILLERS. Furthermore, by not forcing the death penalty is also giving those who are truly inocent a chance to prove they are not guilty to the crime they have been convicted. This way we are not taking peoples lives away invain. Is sad to say our justice system is corrupted and for the looks of it, it will say that way for a while. Capitol Punishment is not going anyways any time soon and to the goverment its a way to to lower cost in prison.

It’s Hard To Say If I Favor The Death Penalty Or Not Because Either Way You Look At It, You Are Deemed Wrong. I Believe The Death Penalty Should Only Be Used On Those Who Absolutely Deserve It. There’s Been People Who Have Been Executed For An Innocent Crime And That’s Why I Believe It’s Hard To Distinguish Between Having It And Not Having It. The Stuff They Do Though To Perform These Actions, I Think, Should Be Reconsidered. I Think There Should Only Be One Way Because All These Ways, I Believe, Creates More Violence Into Others. I’ve Never Really Thought About The Death Penalty, But To Sum It All Up, It’s Hard To Decide Which Side To Go With.

I do believe in the death penalty when it is sentenced to people who have done something over the top. Meaning like a mascarade, or killing more than one person. The death sentence as we know it has been limited in the U.S.A over the past few years and is continuing to limit as we speak. Now only a few states carry it. I also believe that the death sentence is used to help the innocent victim to finally put the murderer in his place. If you were to put yourself in a victims place you wouldn't blame him/her. Just think of the killings we had before like hanging,firing squad,and gas chambers. To me the death sentence is a lot more nicer way of dying than those. Wouldn't you agree? I do believe in death sentence but it has to have an equal effect to the crime that was done.

The statement at the end really captures everything for me. Earle basically says that the hardest part of his job is deciding whether or not to seek the death penalty. Although there are people in the world that have done some cruel things, I believe that if we aren’t 110% sure that the people on death row are guilty, then they shouldn’t be on death row. I find it ridiculous that there is a chance that an innocent person be killed. It sickens me to think of these awful crimes that people on death row have committed, and I want to say, go ahead, put them to death, but that isn’t right. The decision of whether or not to seek the death penalty is a huge one. Maybe these murderers have come to know Christ while they are imprisoned, people do change. I’m not saying they should be released and deserve a second chance, but it is inhumane to kill another person. We are stooping to their level, that is horrible that people get satisfaction by seeing another killed. I don’t think the death penalty should be enforced.

After reading this article, I felt very sad in knowing that the number of execution is so high and used so often. I agree Mr. Clay was a evil and demented human being, that needed to pay for his crimes. Today, Mr. Clay is not being punished for his crimes nor are the family members getting their love ones back. What we do have today, is two families living the horrific pains of their loss. So at the end of the day, who really got punished. Our society is not involved in the judicial system as we should be, unless one of our loved one gets caught up into the system or a family member is a victim. There are so many corruptions and inconsistency in our system . For example, if someone who is found guilty for being in possession of a large amount of narcotic will get the same sentence as someone who committed a murder. Criminals need to be punished for the crimes they commit. The only way criminals can face and live the consequence of there punishment is by facing it on a daily bases. If we execute them, we are just minimizing their pain and consequences.

I do not agree in death penalty at all because in my opinion, it is an easy way out. Also, we are not the giver of life, so who are we to take it? I believe that taking one’s own life is a sin and even more so taking others’. I feel that the person who committed a hideous crime should be locked up for life and be punished. He needs to live, so that every single day he will be reminded of his wrong doings and hopefully will come to repent them.

I am aware that it is not cheap to keep someone in prison and would admit that knowing portion of the taxes that I pay support these criminals does not make me happy at all. My suggestion to rein in some of the expenses is to not grant all sorts of privileges such as television, radio or access to the internet just to name a few. It’s almost as if they are on a permanent vacation, living free of rent, food, clothing and all other expenses. I think that criminals should have to work for these privileges.

Another reason of my opposition is the fact that our system cannot not always prove if the person is truly guilty or not. Should a person be sentenced to the death penalty and dies from it, it would be too late to do anything in case of a mistake. If it turns out that the person was indeed in the clear, we really did not solved anything then – we just executed an innocent person.

Lastly, expressing as part of my opinion, I would say that another death will not undo unpleasant incidents and for certain will not bring lost love ones back to life . . .

Capital punishment in the U.S. is absolutely necessary, no questions asked. If one person kills another person (intentionally) then they should be executed. If one person (forcefully) rapes another person then they should be executed. These death penalties should only be performed if there is no reasonable doubt. (E.g. DNA, witness, confession, etc.). Why would any American choose to pay thousands if not millions of dollars to keep a person on death row for years after being convicted without any doubt of a completely horrific crime. I feel that there should be more executions, a lot more. I can promise that there has been many, many more than 300 intentional/planned murders in the state of Texas in the last 20 years; but why only 300 executions? Stop wasting money and space on this earth for those who don’t deserve to be here. It is not our (humans’) job to judge people; it is Gods job. It humors me in a very dark way that I have seen articles on convicts complaining about how “in-humane” lethal injection is even though they (the criminals) have raped or killed someone or multiple victims. I say if there is doubt, give the prosecuted a fair trial. If there is no reasonable doubt on the crime, you might as well walk the criminal out of the courtroom and into an alligator pit. There is on reason NOT to punish the evil and there is also no reason for the citizens to pay for these evils to sit around and wait for the inevitable. Punish those who deserve to be punished.

Im kind of torn half an half on this topic. I do agree that the way they kill these people is a bit hardcore. I know some people say they deserve it, but I don't think we have the right to take away anyones life. I also understand that some criminals/ murders especially those who go on killing sprees should be stopped. A death sentence is a little out there. We are no better then the killer if we kill them to. Were just as bad if thats our option to stop them.

We definitly need the death penalty as a form of punishment in our country. It serves not only as a punishment but also as a safety mechanism to the innocent people as well as a deterrent factor to those who may engage in violent crime. I understand that there may be flaws in how the death penalty is carried out and innocent people may be put to death, but this doesn't mean that we should throw away the idea altogether. I could only imagine how difficult it is to find the truth in some cases but then there are others where it is obvious as to who committed the crime. I cannot describe a "perfect" way to use the death penalty, I doubt it even exists. There are flaws to everything but that doesn't mean that we should just throw those things away and not make use of the good points that it provides.

I feel there are many things wrong with the death penality. Even though I feel the death penality is necessary for violent crimes offenders, what is inhumane is how long the inmates stay on Death Row. There are people that has been on Death Row for up to 20 years or more. That is the torcher, not only for the inmate but the victims involved, maybe some of these victims die before they get closuer. So you are not only punishing the accused, but the victims. Then how about what the taxes that are spent keeping someone locked up for so long to exicute him/her many years later, that does not make since to me. Are taxes should be spent on rehibilation of prisoners that are able to be rehabilated. Yes there are inmates that are wrongly accused, but most are the ones who was sentenced many years ago when the Legal System was still dealing with racism and descrimination, the crimes was not properly investigated; for example the was a Black man in Florida that was reliesed about 3 years ago, and was on Death Row for about 40 years. The courts discovered he was innocent after the Judge died. Alot of evidence was left out of the original trail. If I was to re-examine the Death Penality I open cases as far back as 20 years ago just to be clear these death penalities was relivant and accurate. As far as how long they should stay on Death Row, well most bills are due in 30 days, maybe it is time to pay the victims back there freedom.

The bible states, “An eye for eye, a tooth for a tooth, and a life for a life. Many people feel this statement alone is giving us permission to kill, it is simply instructing us to give our own eye, tooth, or life in compensation, if we have taken from another. Our society is so quick to make sure that a punishment is given for each crime, that we act hastily in convicting who we think did it. Due to DNA testing, 124 people who had been sentenced to die have recently been proven innocent. With this knowledge alone, we know our system is flawed. How can we sentence people to death when there is a possibility they are innocent?

I also agree with the death penalty just because I believe in the whole “eye for an eye” thing. Yet I also don’t think that man has the right to choose who can live and who should die. This is not the decision just any man can make. If this were the case then there would be a complete outbreak of murders. We elect senators and presidents to be a speaker for the people, and it’s in our hands who is in power and who is not. So basically if John A. does not want the death penalty but John B. does, we as the people would vote accordingly. If a human, be that male or female, were to kill an innocent person they should reap the consequences, i.e. the death penalty because us as the American people have decided to keep or outlaw the death penalty. It is a heaven to a homeless person to be on death row just because they get free clothes, 3 meals a day, TV and a place to sleep at night. This to me sounds like an ok place if I had no money and no where to live. I believe that if someone were to go on to death row then they should be put to death by the nicest means possible but also the cheapest way to save us, good tax paying citizens the out of pocket for these terrible crimes committed. The lethal injection is a combination of two shots. The first is to paralyze the body and the second to suffocate it. Is that a constitutional way to die? I have to say no, but is there a nicer way?

I believe in the death penalty only for people who have murdered many or brutaly. But you also have to think we really only need the death penalty for the inmates who cant control themselves in jail either. Prison is punishment enough especialy if there in a cell that they cant get out of, any one agree? if we were to just kill the criminals they wouldnt really be punished enough they just die, at least in jail its a little bit of torture because they cant go anywhere or do anything.

I personally agree with the death penalty. I believe that when people commit acts of monstrous behavior like taking someones life that they deserve to pay for that crime with their life. Nothing short of it in my opinion would satisfy, even then it still doesn't take the loss away but at least we have taken some action. I I don't think the issue (for me anyways) is weather or not someone should be put to death for their crime. The issue is that some people are being wrongfully executed. I think that its a terrible think but due to either sloppy detective work or someone else screwing up along the way to our lack of technology over the last twenty years I believe causes much of the problem in the past. As our technology grows we have been able to set those free who are innocent. I think its important to be terribly and inscrutably thorough before someone should be sentenced to such a fate. I agree with the idea that terminations should be as humane as possible just because that person was monstrous about it does not mean we should be. On the other hand someone might argue with me that isn't it monstrous to take a life at all for any reason? Each to our own is all I can say.

I am very torn on the subject of the death penalty. I am for it, and I am against it. I do not by any means feel that it is right for one man or woman to take the life of another man or woman. I do agree with “an eye for an eye” but I also believe that only God has the right to judge people. This is why it is so hard for me to say. What right do we have to put a person to death for doing the same to another human being? Isn’t that doing the same thing they are being punished for?

I am anti death penalty. Executions cost more than life in prison and being in prison also stops future crimes. From using the death penalty, crime rates still have not gone down. I feel that the criminals should live with what they have done until the day they naturally die. I don’t agree with executions, I feel that we’re helping the criminals by letting them rest in peace with what they have wrongfully done. Capital punishment violates human right laws and is in no way better than life in prison. Also, it is true that the innocent have been executed. There is no turning back when using the death penalty.

I am kind of up in the air about this one, I feel that if someone does something so severe then maybe its an option, but I don’t think that most of the crimes punishable by death should be. Also I feel that two wrongs don’t make a right, and that we are kind of being hypocrites when we want to punish someone for murder but then murder them as if that justifies something. I value life very much and you can probably tell by my nickname, I feel that every life is important and every life worth saving. And yes I understand that people do terrible, horrible things out there, and that many people have been hurt by others actions, but why is one life less valuable then another, whether it be a bug to a dog, or a murderer to a monk. Now I’m not saying lets put them up in this nice jail with TV and gourmet meals, prisoners could be in isolation. we have the power to make prison an unpleasant experience. Take away all their privileges and only give them what they need to sustain themselves, but you are not the person who gets to decide if someone else dies. That decision is otherworldly. Yes maybe a murderer took that decision in his own hands, but if you sentence him to death you are no better then the original crime.

The death penalty is a very touchy subject, on one hand it gets the criminals of major violent crimes off the streets. But it has to be handled correctly so that we are not sending innocent people to death row. This system definitely has its flaws that end up freeing convicted felons because of an inability to accurately keep or maintain evidence. I agree with the concept of the death penalty but it need to be revamped in order to make it a better tool. Some people may think it is inhumane, but the people who commit the crime should pay the price for committing the offense.

I can not understand why some of you have equated prisons with "hotels" and imprisonment with "comfortable living."

Remember in a prison cell, the toilet is in the middle of the cell and you use it in front of your cellmates. Not exactly the Hilton. There is also a HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH REPORT on rapes in our prisons here

I believe in the use of the death penalty when it is appropriate. If someone kills someone else then I think that they should pay with their life. I don’t think people should have the liberty of even staying in jail and using valuable tax dollars when they are killers. I do however have a lot of sympathy for people that are wrongfully accused for these crimes and it seems the DEA or whoever is a lot quicker to prosecute someone just to get “that case” closed. They should make appeals that seem legit, a lot quicker to execute. These prosecutors need to realize they can potentially ruin someone’s life and need to spend more time with the facts and take their time when on a case because that would be horrifying to get locked up in prison as an innocent person. I know not everything can be perfect but I think there are a lot more innocent people getting killed for crimes they didn’t commit, then we know about.

I have to say that at this moment in time I am against it. Not only becuase innocents sometimes are killed this way but because the system does seem flawed in who actually gets the death penalty. How do you actually decide this? Almost like a who gets to be the unlucky and disliked the most today. Also becuase I dont belive any one has the right to end the life of another. It seems like the easy way out for them too...

I believe there is something defective about a person who would rape a child or murder another human being. The death penalty is set up to be, if nothing else, a deterrent for commiting such crimes. By making a conscience decision to kill someone, I feel they passed the point of no return. I don't agree with taking care of these types of criminals for the rest of their lives behind bars. What's to gain? They are expected to do nothing, give back nothing and achieve nothing. Why waste their time and ours in jail. Thes people have earned the death penalty.

I believe strongly in the death penalty. A lot of people don't believe in it because they say it is wrong. I think anyone that murders should be punished because they are taking someone's life. Just imagine, all of the children that have been raped and killed. Their killers should be murdered because those children's lives NEVER should have ended that way. I don't think murdering an innocent person is right no matter what they do. They have family and someone out there loves that person. The killer should be punished and sentenced to death. Keith Clay was inhumane for watching his friend murder a father and two kids. He is sick for being there and not stopping his friend. Two innocent children died and didn't get the chance to live the rest of their lives. I have had this discussion before and many people say the death penalty is inhumane and they want them to suffer in prison. They don't suffer. Many criminals get adjusted to prison and they don't mind going back. For example: If a homeless man murdered a woman. If we decided to let him sit and rot in prison it would not be a punishment. The reason for this is he has shelter and food. To him that is a better life than what he is used to.

I can't forget that behind every prisoner there are victims, many of those victims lost more than just their Rights. I do believe Prisons should be self sufficient, and everyone should have a job to keep it going. I don't feel I should be the one paying for their crime, I do keep in mind there are differnt circumstances example, If a person was born in the system or spent most of their life in prison, they may be able to Rehabilate them by showing them what society expects.

I agree with the death penalty. I know that if someone would kill my sister or anybody in my family I sure would want them to pay for what they did in the same way. Although they should make sure that no innocent people are executed. Besides I don’t think anybody that has committed an awful crime should be allowed to be in prison worried free while our tax money is going to the prisons so they could have food to be eating and have clothes to wear. Besides where would be stick other criminals ending up in prison if we didn’t get rid of some. If the death penalty didn’t exist that would mean having to build more jails and prisons and that means more money.

This is a very troubling question to me. I feel that those who have committed premeditated murder, tortured & killed others, killed children after having raped them & done other horrendous things to them, should be punished in some way greater than just prison, where they are fed & housed for years at our expense. Some have even been released to kill again! To kill another human, except in self defense, bothers me. But, what do we do with those who are not safe to ever be among the public again, is a great problem for me. Perhaps Devils Island was not such a bad idea! Not for just the common criminal, only those who are found to be unfit to be among civilized people ever again. Maybe that's the answer. SO that being said i do and do not agree with the death penalty. i do because i feel like if you can take an individuals life yours should be taken as well, but on the other hand i dont believe in it because i think they should sit in there in rot for the rest of thier lives, and have no freedom at all. and think about what they have done.

I am in agreement with enforcing the death penalty. Any conviction which is based on sure evidence that the guilty party committed the crime punishable by the death penalty should be carried out. I do sympathize with the wrongly convicted that are able to prove innocence at a later time with DNA and other evidence. However, I believe with the technology and crime scene capabilities available today there are cases which are proven without a doubt the party is guilty. In those cases I believe the guilty party should be convicted. I am not opposed to using lethal injection which to me seems to be the less gruesome method to implement this punishment. Lethal injection is not as gruesome or torturous than the manner in which the convicted committed their crime. In essence they are being treated better than if we were to use an ‘eye for an eye’ method. I realize that some crimes are committed based on emotions or passion I do not feel it excuses their actions. If we better implemented the death penalty and criminals knew they would not be sitting in prison on death row for 60 years they may think twice before committing a crime. If we compare the prisons in America to those of other countries, criminals are not treated poorly. A majority have a better life in prison than they would on the outside. Although their freedom is taken away they have food, shelter and health care they may not have access to outside of prison.

I also am a firm believer in the death penalty. I agree with Lucretia all the way with her ideas. If a person committs a crime they should be punished in the same way they committed that crime. I also dissagree with using lethal injection as the sole method of punishment, as roxychic said. To me, the criminal should suffer for the crime they committed and not have an easy way out by using the lethal injection method. To some that my seem extreme but that is the only way to set an example to others. In my opinion, the punishments given today are not at all hard enough. By setting more examples to others would prevent less crime from happening on the streets and help maintain a better society.

I agree with the death penalty on killers, rapists, and monsters of the sort. Also, I agree that there is no death penalty too harsh or inhumane for these people. Loosing someone is horrible enough to imagine let alone actually having it happen. To those of you who disagree with the death penalty or find it inhumane, have you ever sat back and thought of what loosing a close friend or family member is like? If you dont quit soon enough you cry, i do at least. Taking this into consideration, imagine what you would feel if some scum bag took that friend or family members life, you would be infuriated. On top of that you would probably want to choose, or maybe even committ the death penalty yourself. I guess what I'm trying to say is that you shouldn't disagree with or make choices for a situaiton you have yet to experience. Though you may find it inhumane, look at it from the view of a victims family, it may not be so inhumane after all.

I am totally against the death penalty. Not only is it unjust for us to determine the faith of a human being; it is also unmoral. It’s just another case where society is trying to play God. I believe that you reap what you sow. In other words what you plant in your life that would be the outcome of your growth. There is a danger of correcting someone else's sin or wrong. Every crime doesn’t become unpunished, but it is not to us to sentence someone with the death penalty. Leave it up to god to determine the outcome of someone life, until then we do not have no say so.

I am all for the death penalty, if you did the crime you should do the time. Society keeps saying that its inhuman and that nobody deserves to be put to death that way, well what about the way they chose to brutally kill an innocent human being. I have no empathy for someone who took someones life for their own sick and twisted ways. Our justice system allows the person to be innocent until proven guilty but when they openly admit it before the trial there should be no trial. Like the case of the guy who set fire to those two girls and then went and killed a guy; when they showed him the video he had a smile on his face, I'm sorry but he should have no trial, he shouldn't even be sitting in jail, he should go straight to the electric chair! Some people may feel that my views are cold however there are boundaries in society. Those who commit heinous crimes have given up their rights and should face their consequences.

I firmly believe in the death penalty. I do understand that there are always some innocent people who die within the system itself, but if they were to be placed on death row for a certain amount of years then why did no one do anything about their cases? That is all up too the innocent people’s attorney’s. Do they care about their customers or money? Money is the root of all evil. On another note, I believe if you commit a crime such as murder and the evidence places you as the criminal, you should receive the death penalty without a doubt.

As I have been reading other people's comments, I have come to agree with something that also backs up my previous comment: You can never be 100% sure that the "criminal" is really to blame. Maybe it was really someone else. No matter how sure you think you are about something, there is always room for error. So cut out the death penalty, let the criminals suffer in jail for the rest of their lives.

I’m not so sure that I believe the death penalty should be served to those who have committed acts of murder, rape, or child molestation, but I’m not entirely against it. It is extremely hard to judge these concepts. Murder for instance, what if this was self-defense that ended brutally. And as far as rape or child molestation go, what if the rape was a false accusation, or circumstances where a young adult (maybe early 20’s) is convicted of child molestation because he or she was with a teenager under the age of 18. The death penalty does seem like a way in which justification will be served to those who have been convicted of brutal crime. I suppose that if it were a case in which the a person served prison time accordingly his/her first time around, but then repeated acts of cruelty, this would constitute as a situation where the death penalty should be served.

I am on the fence with this subject, though I lean towards the death penalty being an appropriate sentencing in extreme cases. Yes, there are innocent people who have been sentenced the death penalty, and who have died before their innocence was proved, for this reason I believe that the death penalty should only be used in extreme and concrete situations. Saying that our system has flaws does not excuse the killing of an innocent person; yet at the same time in most cases, the evidence towards the convicted is absolute. And when the evidence is absolute and the crime is extremely brutal, then yes, the death penalty might be the appropriate sentencing.

Well this is an interesting topic for me, because funny enough 10 years ago in high school I had to do a paper on the very same topic, and was placed on the YES to Capital Punishment side. However, I am not truly a fan of it because of the exact same reasons district attorney Ronald Earle states: “Earle has now watched broken souls walk free after years of wrongful incarceration; 56 have been released from death row in the past decade, either because they were deemed innocent or because of procedural mistakes, according to the Death Penalty Information Center.” It is an alarming rate to me personally, and I believe it is unacceptable, especially when you consider 200 people were killed in Texas alone within the last 8 years reaching 200 in five years, and 300 in three. It is honestly quite scary to think that there are lawyers out there who as the article mentions have “racially motivated prosecutions”, and “coerced confessions and unreliable witnesses”. How many people have died for crimes they did not commit? Especially in Texas! Also, who are we to decide who dies or does not die? Are we God? Don’t get me wrong, I do believe some people are truly evil in nature such as serial killers, but in a lot of cases people just need psychological help, to deal with depressions, mental breakdowns, or even inner demons. My final consensus is that if it is decided that such a state will incorporate Capital Punishment in their justice system, it should only be done if there is a beyond, BEYOND! A reasonable doubt, and with the CSI team clearly identifying the facts with DNA, or whatever it is they show on TV. But killing innocent people due to race, class, word of mouth is completely unacceptable to me.

I do believe the Death penalty should be used in a case of murder, although it should only be used if it is a fact that the person is completely responsible for the murder. If there is not complete evidence that the person has committed murder then they should not kill anyone until they have proof. There are some ways in which they do use the death penalty that is very disturbing however if someone were to murder someone I loved I would want them to be given this punishment themselves. I do believe killing is completely wrong but when dealing with murderers this may be the only solution to avoiding these brutal crimes.

I do believe in the death penalty too. I think that it is no reason to keep a murder alive if he or she kills someone brutally. The guilty criminals deserve to be put to death, otherwise, they are always threatens to other people. Death penalty is necessary although some people who have been sentenced to death penalty are innocent. The key point is how to avoid the error in determining guilty and the error in determining who among the guilty deserves to die. I agree with mina armanious that “the judiciary system in our country needs a lot of work from within." The need make efforts to avoid the errors.

I do believe in the death penalty. I believe that if someone killed, raped, molested, or some other form of brutal act they should be put to death. If every criminal, murderer, rapist or whatever were to know that if they get caught they will be put to death, then maybe it will lower the rate of murders. I also agree with some people above saying they should suffer in jail for their actions. They should suffer in jail and then be put to death. It may sound mean or inhuman but hey they murdered someone, they ended someone’s life without warning, why can’t we do the same to them?

I do believe in the death penalty when the person that is being accused of something is proven guilty, and not only that but what that person did has to fit the punishment that they are getting. If someone killed somebody, why should they be able to sit in a prison, get three meals a day, and have a bed to sleep in at night? They did wrong and they should have thought about it before they did it. What is to say that the person won’t do wrong again? … Even though I do believe in the death penalty, I would definitely not want to be the person that decides who gets to live or die.

I am a firm believer in the death penalty although some of the methods seem inhumane even for some of the most horrible criminals. Even though there are a few innocent lives taken, there are many more people who get away with these horrible crimes. The death penalty is a necessary evil that if used correctly, is a just punishment. Although I believe in capital punishment, I also believe that it should only be used if the person being convicted is found guilty beyond reasonable doubt. Shaky evidence, faulty procedures, and unreliable witnesses are just some of the things that put innocent people behind bars; capital punishment should only be given if all of those are ruled out.

In every system there is a flaw, with that said I cant say whether I condon nor whether I am against the death sentence. There are a lot of people in the world that are plan out sick in the head and probably need to die or be put away for the rest of their lives, so for that reason alone I supportive the death sentence. But there are people has made mistakes and can be reformed yet they are on death row with out even the slightest chance of reforming. We are all human and we all have love, hate and revenge within us. It is not justice to be vengeful which is what I expect a lot of the prisoners in the jail system may be the victims. I am not saying this to support of everyone who has commited murder, but to the few that can change I think the justice system should do a better job at trying to reform those persons, and if they can not be reformed then that is when you make necessary precautions for the security of the rest of society.

I strongly believe in the death penalty when the person has committed a brutal crime, especially when it comes to those who have anything to do with children. I think that those that committ crimes against children deserve nothing less. As far as lethal injection I find it is to easy on those crimanals. They deserve to die slowly and very painfuly. I'm not the type of person that would think about such thing like to make some one else sufer, but when it comes to child molesters I have no sympathy for them. In my opinion it is hard to determone who lives and who dies, but I would never think twice if I were part of a jury that had to deal with a child molester, a rapist,or a brutal murderer. I don't think that my tax money should be going to this sorry excuses for humans. They should not be haveing it better than me. I work so hard and never get enough rest. So why should the crimanals get all the benefits of shelter, food, clothes, A/C, T.V. They get to eat, sleep, and poop all day. Its like a reward instead of punishment. I'm not saying they need to be in the hell hole but it seems like they almost have it better than me. Ten years will pass before the person convicted and given the capital punishment actually dies mean while my tax money is keeping them alive. Something just don't make sense.

Like i said before the death penalty is a great way of punishment, and by no means do i think its a way of "cleaning up prison." Its a way of punishing someone that deserves to be punished for what they did to another human being, im not saying that the rapiest should be sentenced to death right away, but their punishment must be harsh or they would not care so much about these hanius acts.

The death penalty is a touchy subject to some people myself included. In some ways I can see where people say that they support the death penalty, for example if they themselves were affected by a criminal’s action. Also I can see where people might be against the death penalty for example, if they were being accused for a crime that they didn’t commit and the death penalty is the sentence that is given. I have read and also seen on television, people that are sitting on death row awaiting execution for crimes that they didn’t commit. Some of these people wait and stare death in the face in their jail cell waiting for that one witness to speak up and tell the truth and clear their name from any wrong doing. I believe that the death penalty in some ways is a use of excessive force and think that it should not be used. The margin for error is so small if one piece of evidence is presented wrong or not at all a person’s life ends. It’s just to close to call.

I have two sides on how i feel about the death penalty. First, I feel that in some cases a person should INDEED be punished by the death penalty. If such a horrible enough crime is commited, then that person deserves to pay by death. The types of death penalties conducted in the United States are not exactly what I feel should be used. I believe in honor of the victim, the murderer should also die in the same way. Then, in other cases I often find myself second guessing my beliefs. What if someone innocent is sentenced to death row? How is that fair at all? I also feel that although the executor is doing his/her job on the day of the execution, he/she is also commiting murder in the same sense. How can anything be morally justified if we have murderers' on death row, waiting to be punished by the death penalty, by people who are now also considered "murderers" because of their job descriptions. I just feel that sometimes the death penalty might seem like the best possible thing to solve a bad problem, when in reality it can very well create a bigger problem then expected.

First of all, I do not in believe in death penalty. I don't think i will ever be a suppoter of the death penalty. Because the way things are going right now, we should be focus on forgiveness. It's all about forgiven just like Jesus forgive us for our sins everyday. Killing each other is wrong. I've been reading the Bible for a while i never read a passage where it said that we should kill each other. Therefore, if is not in the biblical we should not practice it. We should be practice what's in the Bible not what we think should be done. Second of all, i don't think death penalty prevent others from commiting murders. I was reading an article the other day it says; " No reliable study shows the death penalty deters others." Most of all, the death penalty doesn't necessarily help families of murders.

The death penalty is flawed. Plain and simple. People enforce the death penalty and people make mistakes. I do have a strong belief in the Bible and it does say that " vengance is the Lord's". at the same time, there are people that should be punished severely for their crimes. I think it does make more sense for the person accused of the crime to have to live with it behind bars. The penalty, to me, is one of the best examples of justifiable homicide there is. It's questionable because people have motives and could try to manipulate the sentence to there benefit..

I think the death penalty should apply to those indivduals who committed serious crimes that psyhcologists are unable to explain why the individual did it. Yes, I believe any individual who can have the guts to kill god's human being creations should be punish and even if the death penalty is the option. However, it is true their are a lot of individuals who have lost their lives because of false evidence. I truly think are judgement system is very corrupted. I believe most of these individuals lost their lives by being at the wrong place at the wrong time or because of their background. When it comes down to the death penalty i'm completely for it but I just think investigators should really get the facts to make judgement instead of playing god or an hero.

I think that the death penalty should only be used if there is an overwhelming amount of evidence against them, or if the crime was extremely brutal, if there were multiple murders, or crimes that have negatively affected society. An example would be Tookie Williams, the founding father of the notorious street gang known as the Crips. I don't think it should be an otional sentence for just any murder, for the simple fact that mistakes are sometimes made resulting in innocent people suffering. I would have to disagree with some of the others about molesters or rapist being sentenced to death. Don't get me wrong I find nothing descent about it, but a long jail sentence would be enough. I mean there are pople that have committed crimes like these that recieved counseling and are no longer considered a threat to society.

I am torn on the topic of the death penalty. I do believe we should execute criminals because they have killed innocent people. They are horrible people who should pay for what they did. I think the saying "Do unto others as you would have done unto you" applies here. They didn't show mercy for the people that they murdered, so why should they be shown mercy?I also think that the death penalty is wrong. Who are we to play god and decide when someone's life should end? And also, to be cliche, "two wrongs don't make a right". I am just a huge contradiction.

I’ve been on the fence about this subject for a very long time. A lot of people have brought up the fact that some methods used for the death penalty are inhumane. I think that if someone is guilty of a murder that deserves the death penalty at all, I have no sympathy for them in that regard – especially since they are all different means to the same end. Does it REALLY matter how they died after they’re dead? Especially if they deserved it? …That being said, it’s almost ridiculous how many innocent people are being executed. I’ve heard that each government execution procedure cost more per person in tax dollars than keeping them alive does. I think I’ve finally decided that I’m against it now more than ever especially after considering how faulty our judicial system really is.

I believe the death penalty is an integral part of the criminal justice code of punishment for murder. Hammurabi, a Babylon king that reigned around 100 BC enforced a code of justice that incorporated capital punishment or the death penalty to an even more stringent degree then we do today in our own country. The penalty is designed to be appropriate and uncompromisingly final. Personally, I believe thateven if it acts to prevent a single murder in society, the establishment of this ultimatepunishment is just. I resent the idea that some murderers sentenced to 25 years o life are paroled and readmitted to a society they chose to wreak havoc upon with their heinous offense of taking life from another. In Christian society, I recognize that some quote one of the ten commandments or say “Vengeance is mine saith the Lord.” However, many religious, moral documents conform to the ideology of “an for an eye.” I do not agree with those who see capital punishment as immoral and cruel. It is pragmatic and essential in any society that recognizes the rule of law. If the rules of society are broken by a murderer then that murderer has forfeited any “right” to remain in society, living andbreathing, as though he had not deprived another of that same right. If we claim to be a“moral” society we need to shoulder the responsibilities that attend that morality andcategorically eliminate offenders.

I do not beleive in the death penalty. I believe that killing is a sin and ourselves will be puished if we do so. We should let the imates live the rest of their lives in prison and let the Lord deal with their punishment. Who is man to take another life? When someone is sentenced to the death penalty they are not only to die but to be murdered. Yes they have done some pretty sick things in life and a lot of people would think he or she deserves to go through pain as well but that is not our call. We to are sinners if we commit such a thing.

When it comes to the death of innocent suspects, I believe that most of the time the court is correct in its verdict. However, The death penalty should be applied only when one has been found one-hundred percent guilty. There must be physical evidence supporting the suspects guilt, and all of the crimes the suspect is being tried for must be true. In situations where the criminal is not fully responsible for the crimes he or she has been convicted of, or can not be fully proven guilty without doubt, the suspect should still be sentenced to some sort of penalty that is equal to the crime they committed.As far as Texas reintroducing capital punishment, I think it's a great idea for a few reasons. Maintaining and housing convicts is extremely expensive. In the states that don't reinforce the death penalty, tax payers are forced to support the lives of murderers who have no regret for taking the lives of others. In some prisons inmates are living better lives than that of the homeless. Its disturbing to know that are killers being housed and fed while their victims forever lay in a cemetery and the family forever mourns over them. I am the biggest fan of capital punishment and i believe that convicted felons should pay for their crimes with the same intensity of the crime they committed. I especially recommend this for the homicide cases that are clearly gruesome. The type of cases where the killer was overly brutal, premeditated the attack, and/or left a victim suffering and disfigured before death. These types of murders are devilish and inhumane and the criminal should suffer the same pain of his victims. I would happily support the passing of a law that allows for the merciless torture of a convict before they are put to death. If the death penalty itself isn't enough to make criminals think twice before committing a crime, this new law will surely create a change.

Honestly I personally feel as though death penalty in a sense is wrong and brutal to an certain extent because according to the Bible its a sin to commit crimes that are associated with death,theif,murder,and adultry coinsiding with rape. And people that commit these acts, yes should be dealt with but as far as giving or sentenced them life in jail cause I feel like we as human beings have no right to inflict or inscribe our inference,opinion,or even knowledge so to speak on concerns with decisions to take ones life for the life or lives they have taken, I feel as though its God's decision with what he feels should be done with their life through or for him. Like the statement says on US money "In God We Trust" well we need to start doing that not just in the US the world,but at the same time we all have our own beliefs Im just giving you mine. For situations regarding that a "eye for a eye a tooth for a tooth" really meaning kill and you be killed or take and you will lose sentenced them life and through that inmates with forever know that these acts were wrong.I kinda feel the same with comment made by girl_in_the_front Because no matter what the circumstances or situations may be it's never right to take a life.

I am for the death penalty.I feel that if criminal commits a crime punishable by life in prison, he or she should not have the privilege to live out their life in jail. They already committed a horrific crime, why should they be a burden to our society when they have caused enough damage. I don't feel its right for our correction system to house someone in jail for life while we feed them and provide them with shelter. Our prisons and jails are overcrowded and it's costing us more to maintain these degenerates, then to put them down like a rabid dog. Our economy is headed down the toilet. Instead of tuition going up by 8% next semester, we need to find a way of either lowering the cost to maintain our jail population or find a way to make are inmates more useful. Not long ago I watched an episode of Explorer on National Geographic. This particular episode was on Methamphetamine addicts. The drug was a really big problem in Bangkok,Thailand. The Thai government started shooting all the junkies. Suddenly, an addiction that was turning into an epidemic was now reduced to a taboo that is practiced in secrecy. Perhaps if we took this approach on capital punishment, more people will start thinking of the consequences and repercussions before they decide to commit a crime. If we reduce the number of crimes committed, we will reduce the number of innocent inmates being executed.

I find puzzling that Americans can support something that they don't fully trust as the article states. Taking the life of a man is an extremely serious thing, and let's be realistic here..race is almost always a factor when it comes to prison sentences.Ironic how most of the time that they discover someone is innocent due to evidence, is usually a black man.But to stop being a bleeding heart liberal, the death penalty is supposed to be a capitol punishment. However, that's a load of lies. The death penalty is used for revenge purposes. what other capitol punishment out there do the people who were hurt get to sit in a little audience and watch the individual suffer?

I find puzzling that Americans can support something that they don't fully trust as the article states. Taking the life of a man is an extremely serious thing, and let's be realistic here..race is almost always a factor when it comes to prison sentences.Ironic how most of the time that they discover someone is innocent due to evidence, is usually a black man.But to stop being a bleeding heart liberal, the death penalty is supposed to be a capitol punishment. However, that's a load of lies. The death penalty is used for revenge purposes. what other capitol punishment out there do the people who were hurt get to sit in a little audience and watch the individual suffer?

I believe in capital punishment. I know that not everyone that has received it may have been guilty but unfortunately there is no way to pick the innocent from the guilty once proven guilty by the jury or judge. I believe that if a judge is uncertain on a case of guilty or innocent then he should not give the death sentence. The death sentence should not be the only alternative to convicted murderers because we do not know for sure in some cases if the person is truly guilt or innocent. I believe capital punishment should be issued on a few things like the persons past criminal record and the evidence supporting the crime. If all evidence points to the person then what can you think other than he or she is guilty. But if there is evidence that is sketchy or could go two ways then maybe a sentence of life in prison would be a better choice. Although I would think a few people would rather receive the death sentence than life in prison, especially if the person is innocent.

The whole opposition to the death penalty in the US has not sprung from moralists or liberals but from people of all sorts of ideologies that have recognized the danger of sending an innocent man to his death.

I agree with death penalty to a certin extent but under the proper circumstances. I think that the death penalty is an effective way of detering most common criminals, but when it comes down to it the people who our society has deemed "deserving" to die are simply not common. there just has to be something wrong with a human being to perform some of these acts, some form of chemical imbalance in there head, and although they may not be sain, I think we need to be wary of of rushing to judgement on whether or not they deserve to be alive or not.

I support the death penalty! Most of the people that are being tried for a crime that might result in the death penalty generally deserve it. My opinion is that as long as all the evidence has been produced and a jury of your peers finds you deserving…Then it’s justifiable The men and women who are currently living on death row are more than likely those individuals who would be living out the rest of their lives as a permanent guest of the governor anyway. I do feel sadness for those poor individuals who are wrongly accused. There is no excuse or apology in the world that would ever heal the pain of being wrongly imprisoned. People will always argue for and against in this case, but as long as there are monsters living out there then we have to do something to keep the rest of us safe.

I don't believe in the death penalty, but if capital punishment is going to exist in the US, I think they should save it for extreme cases in which they are 100% sure of the guilty verdict being correct. If there is any doubt at all, or perhaps just a lack of physical evidence, life in prison (without parole) is a very harsh sentence and I'm pretty sure it deters most people from committing heinous crimes. It scares me to think that many Americans believe innocent people are being put to death, and think nothing should be done about it. Hopefully none of us ever find ourselves as the innocent person, sitting in front a jury who will decide whether we live or die.

I do believe in the Death Penalty, I believe you choose your own path and if you kill then certain punishment is needed. The death penalty is currently implemented in 30 states. It was re-legalized by a Supreme Court decision in 1977. Since then, 552 people have been executed. About 3,335 inmates remain on ‘Death Row. The Death Penalty does not stop people from killing others. The only thing it does stop is killers from killing people again. An eye for an eye is what some Americans would say concerning the death penalty. Supporters of the death penalty ask the question, why should I, an honest diligent taxpayer, have to pay to sustain a murderer for the rest of their natural life? Why not execute them in a timely method and save the general public the cost of their keep? Some Americans think that the death penalty is a just and proper way to handle convicted murderers.

I fully and whole-heartedly believe in the death penalty. Yeah I know that sometimes there are persons on death row who are wrongly convicted and entirely innocent, which really sucks, but what about the ones that should be there?? If we were to slack up on the way we do things, serial killers and rapists wouldn't be suffering for the pain that they've caused! My mother has always told me that two wrongs don't make a right, but i'd like to think it's okay in this case. To bad there isn't a way where we could actually tell the innocent from the guilty.

The death sentence. It is a touchy subject amoung human kind. It is something that, depending on who is in the chair, one may see fit or unfit. I believe the death penalty is a just punishment for those blatently proven builty beyond a reasonable doubt. The death penalty only becomes questionable when there is an unsure sentence. In the case of the gentleman in the article posted, he is without a doubt, 100% guilty. I suppose for me it comes down to an eye for an eye type situation. I believe that a murder is just for the death penalty. It cannot be accidental, but intentional. And it cant be common and clean, but savage. I don't believe that every murder convict deserves the death penalty, but that it should be determined by a judge who has earned his position and standing.

The death penalty in all states should not be deemed necessary for any crime. The thought that a man or women can not repent and learn from his/her mistakes is brutal. Take for instance the man you started the gang in California called the bloods who was executed not so long ago. This man may have started the most violent gangs in America, but clearly he repented. This man wrote letters and books about how gangs are not good for anyone and how he regrets ever starting one himself. Even though one of his books one a Pulitzer, he was still executed. In this instance how is it necessary it execute someone who has learned the error of his ways.

I do believe in the death penalty 100%. I really don't understand anyone’s point of view when referring to the death penalty as inhumane. I mean honestly, is there ANYTHING even slightly humane about killing someone? I believe that people who view the death penalty this way are simply naive and aren't taking into consideration what it must feel like to lose someone that has been brutally murdered, raped, etc. It’s not like ever y criminal booked into prison is sentenced to the death penalty. The death penalty is a method used when an inmate has committed such a vicious crime. I do believe that the punishment should fit the crime, if someone is willing to do the dirty work then they should expect nothing less in return.

I have to side with keeping the death penalty. I don't know too much about it other than it is sentenced to a person for taking another person's life. I'm not sure of the percentage of innocent people who are sentenced to execution in this country, but I'm sure with the time that a person is put to death row allows them to prove themselves guilty or innocent. I know that if I was in that position (an innocent person on death row) I would feel miserable, but I also believe that many people have been rightly accused and executed. All I have to say is that this world always has flaws to find. I'm not saying that these flaws cannot be corrected, I just know that we are all human and our works have the ability to fail. I'm sure that the institution of death row can always use "tweaking", but I don't think it will ever be perfect.

Ever since the death penalty was created it has been very controversial. So there will never be an unanimous opinion towards the subject. I however, do believe in the principle of the death penalty. I believe people like Ted Bundy and Charles Manson deserve to die for their acts. It does sadden me and make me question our judicial system when there are errors with peoples trials who are condemed to death. However I believe that the taking of someones life via the death penalty should be reserved for the people who commit the worst crimes imagionable and that there be no question of their guilt. I also think that death should be considered the ultimate penalty. I do not think that in our government, judicial system, or society should go under the phrase "an eye for an eye". However, which is worse, to have your life taken from you or to spend the rest of your life behind bars, alone and degrated.

I do agree with the death penalty. I believe if you take someone’s life then you don’t deserve to live. And when I say take someone’s life I mean 1st degree murder. If you take time to plan and execute a murder then you deserve the death penalty. I have no sympathy for a person on death row if they are guilty beyond a reason of a doubt. Now if there is any doubt that a person is guilty of 1st degree murder then they shouldn’t be given the death penalty. I do agree that a inmate should be on death row for no less then 5 years to make sure there are no holes in there case.

I do agree with the death penalty. I believe if you take someone’s life then you don’t deserve to live. And when I say take someone’s life I mean 1st degree murder. If you take time to plan and execute a murder then you deserve the death penalty. I have no sympathy for a person on death row if they are guilty beyond a reason of a doubt. Now if there is any doubt that a person is guilty of 1st degree murder then they shouldn’t be given the death penalty. I do agree that a inmate should be on death row for no less then 5 years to make sure there are no holes in there case.

the death penalty is wrong and out-dated. a jury a people who are to dumb to get out of jury duty shouldn't have the right to decide if someone lives or dies. no one has that right. of course the defendant has committed a terrible crime, but in this day and age can no one think of a better punishment. personally i think rotting away in jail the rest of your life is way worse than getting killed which is the easy way out. many don't realize the it cost more the put someone on death row than to prison them for the rest of their life. how can a court system which makes you swear to tell the truth under "god" then goes and break one of his commandments. those that mean everyone in the defendants trail is a murder and condemned to hell!? But of course we are to lazy to think of another method of punishment.

Anyone who has committed a crime severe enough to be put in jail for life should be sentenced to death. Why let a criminal sit in a jail cell for life? So they can think of a way to escape and commit more crimes. Its stupid and if someone is in jail for murder they should be sentenced to the death penalty with out question it should be a life for a life and as far as the people who are wrongly accused no person should be put to death unless there is enough evidence linking them to the crime they are accused of.

What I have to say about this? Thank God for Texas and their death penalty. This man deserves what he got. Perhaps some of you have heard of "eye for an eye" from back in the old days? Well, that still stands true today. Normally, death penalties are done in a humane way, as opposed to the poor soul that got taken from us for no reason. This is my strongest point here: murderers don't care about their victim's suffering. People get slowly murdered, butchered, all sorts of disgusting words and we give these people nothing but an injection? People on death row should be thanking us.

that might have come off a little strong. What I meant by "thanking us" is instead of giving the murderer the exact treatment he gave his poor victim, we take a more "civil" approach to the matter. The death penalty is the top of the pyramid of justice here. So compared to the other forms of punishment, which face it... don't seem to work as much, it is not used as much.

I do and I don’t believe in the death penalty. I think that if someone has murdered one or more people and without a doubt that he or she committed the crime, then he or she should be put to death. Why should someone who murders someone get away with it, and be free to LIVE their lives after they took someone else’s. I know in some cases innocent people are put to death, and that isn’t right either. I don’t believe that anyone should be put to death without definite proof that he or she committed that crime. However, I don’t believe that it should be used as a way to clean out the jails so that tax payer’s dollars don’t have to be spent.

Because of my beliefs, in my heart I think that the death penalty is wrong. I don’t think any man can decide the another man’s fate. In my mind however, I think that a man who takes the life of another should be brought to the same fate. Even though my mind thinks this, I still don’t believe that someone can be in control of a person’s fate besides God Himself. I don’t quite know which side that I take. I definitely think that living the rest of your life in prison is a horrible punishment in itself. Personally, I would rather die.

I am a huge believer in the death penalty. There is not enough room in this world for people who are going to be taking the lives of innocent people. I know for a fact that if any friend or family member of mine was ever murdered i would want nothing more then to see the person who did it die. To argue the death penalty is inhumane is rediculous. Why would anyone take the side of a murderer and fight for their rights. As far as i'm concerned murderers lost their rights the day they decided to take the life of an innocent person. I personally think that the death penalty should be worse then they are. Saying that it is not humane is just rediculous. Is it humane to rape and finish it off by beating them to death? Then why should their death be humane. I am not trying to go against anyones opinions, this is my opinion, but i feel that they way somebody kills someone is the way that they should be killed.